Dayara Bugyal Trek | Plan The Unplanned

Plan The Unplanned in association with IWasThere brings you the Dayara Bugyal Trek, one of the finest Himalayan treks out there suitable for those looking to attempt their first Himalayan trek as well as the more experienced trekkers looking for a quick Himalayan getaway.

One of the less explored gems of Garhwal Himalayas, Dayara Bugyal is captivating in its own unique way. Bugyal in Garhwali means “Alpine Pasture” or “High Altitude Meadow”. It is arguably one of the prettiest meadows one would come across while trekking in the Himalayas. A perfect trek to step into the Himalayas as you walk through dense jungles, gaze at mighty Himalayan peaks, spend your evenings beside a high altitude lake and a walk on this endless pasture makes this trek very enticing. This Bugyal is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand at an elevation ranging from 10,000 – 12,000 ft. Dayara Bugyal offers some of the best views of Mt. Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Black Peak, Gangotri Ranges, DKD, Srikantha to name a few. So much for a low lying trek that it does not feel real and yet the trekkers are lost in its beauty and the quietness that this place provides.

This is a trek that can almost be done throughout the year and offers changing landscapes during different seasons. During winters, the meadows are covered in multiple feet of snow and on the lucky days, one can experience fresh snowfall. They turn into lush green after the snow starts receding with numerous flowers of different colors blooming in it. A lot of butterflies can be found around this time. The jungles are lit with Rhododendron flowers. The post monsoon season offers the trekkers with unrestricted views of all the surrounding peaks as the weather is mostly clear. On the onset of winter the meadows appear in hues of golden brown with clear skies for those long distant views. This trek offers a lot in such a short duration and the fact that the trek offers different flavours with the changing season makes it one of the ideal treks to choose round the year.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01: Dehradun to Barsu

Distance: 225 KMs
Time: 7-8 Hrs Drive
Altitude: 7,300 ft

Reach Dehradun the day prior to the trek or on the same day early in the morning. Transport would be arranged from the Dehradun Railway Station at 6:00 AM for travel to Barsu. The drive is very scenic and the snow-clad peaks play a game of hide and seek. The drive is along the course of River Ganga, and thereafter River Bhagirathi providing mesmerizing views. There are many small villages that cross path enroute and a lot of dhabas to satisfy your taste buds. You cross the district headquarters of Uttarkashi city which will also be your point for any last minute purchases. The trekkers would arrive at the picturesque hamlet of Barsu that overlooks the vast Bhagirathi valley in the evening. Stay is arranged at a guest house in Barsu.

Day 02: Barsu to Barnala

Distance: 5 KMs 
Time: 5-6 Hrs walk
Altitude: 9,000 ft

Wake up early to see the mesmerizing view of Srikantha peak and the Sun rising behind it. We hit the trail after breakfast which starts behind a small pond in the village. The trail to Barnala is well marked throughout the day, the oak forest continues to get denser as you walk deeper into the forest. The trail is beautified with Rhododendron Flowers in particular season. There are a couple of water sources enroute where we will be refilling our water bottles. Soon after, the jungles make way for a small clearing which will serve as our campsite for 2 nights. Hot lunch will be served on arrival at the campsite, thereafter we can break for a couple of hours and give out body some rest while you soak into the nature surrounding you. Evenings are reserved for mandatory acclimatization walk. Trekkers can also explore the areas near the campsite and visit Barnala Tal which is only a few minutes of walk away from the campsite. You can see the panoramic view of Srikantha, Gangotri ranges, Jonali Pass, Draupadi ka Danda from near the lake. Bandarpoonch is still elusive and will reveal itself tomorrow.

Day 03: Barnala to Dayara Top and back to Barnala

Distance: 10-11 KMs
Time: 7-8 Hrs walk
Altitude: 12,000 ft

This is going to be a long day of trekking and also the most anticipated day. Today you would get to walk on the endless meadows of Dayara and also summit Dayara Top from where the Himalayas reveal itself on all sides. Today’s trail passes through even thicker forests before opening up to the alpine pasture. At this point of the trek, we are above the treeline in the mesmerizing expanse of Dayara Bugyal. The terrain is completely undulating and we will be crossing one hill over another to reach Dayara Top. Bandarpoonch can be seen very close since arrival at Dayara along with Swargarohini and Black Peak. The view compared to Barnala gets bigger with many Himalayan peaks revealing itself in the form of a huge painting in front of you. We explore the entire stretch of Bugyal where numerous water streams can be seen flowing during the monsoon and post monsoon season along with a carpet of flowers of different colors. During winters, expect the entire bugyal to be covered in snow and trekkers ploughing through them to reach Dayara Top which is an adventure in itself. We will have our packed lunch here before we mark our way back after our exploration to the Barnala campsite, it is a moderate descend from Dayara top to Barnala campsite. We call it a day after having some hot tea and refreshing snacks followed by dinner.

Day 04: Barnala to Barsu

Distance: 5 KMs
Time: 4 Hrs walk
Altitude: 7,300 ft

Today we trace our way back from Barnala to Barsu. Since it was a strenuous day yesterday, we will have a lazy start to the day while we spend some time in Barnala by the Barnala tal post our breakfast. We start to descend from Barnala after having our lunch at the campsite, the trail has its own unique beauty seen while descending through the dense forest. The entire Srikantha range and Gangotri ranges are visible while descending right in front of the trekkers and it keeps diminishing in size reminding us of the way they revealed themselves the previous day. We reach Barsu by evening and settle in the guest house where hot tea and snacks will be served. Relax in the guest house in the evening where the trekkers are usually seen discussing the details of the trek with so many other conversations and a lot of them become friends for a lifetime while also making plans for their next big adventure. We have late dinner and call it a day.

Day 05: Barsu to Dehradun

The vehicle would arrive at 7:00 AM in the morning for the drive to Dehradun. It is always advisable to start your journey early in the to avoid due to roadblocks or landslides which are frequent in Himalayan terrain. Arrival at Dehradun by 6:00 PM. IWasThere advises their trekkers to book onward journey post 8:00 PM.